The course numbering system used by the History Department reflects the different types and objectives of courses offered at each level.  The different course levels are distinguished less by degree of difficulty than by the purposes that the courses at each level are intended to serve and the background knowledge they presume.

First-Year Seminars and Tutorials (102-199): These writing-intensive seminars introduce students to the richness of historical approaches to the past and to the contested subjects on which historians focus.  They emphasize the acquisition of skills needed in the advanced study of history and are ideal for students contemplating a major in History.  Each seminar is limited in enrollment to nineteen students.  For these reasons, preference will be given to first-year students and then to sophomores.  Because first-year seminars serve as an introduction to the study of history, only one may count towards the History major; it can also be used to meet the department's group and concentration requirements.

Introductory Survey Courses (202-299): These courses are open to all students and are intended to provide a basic understanding of the history of peoples, countries, and geographic regions over relatively long time-spans.  Most of all, they will provide students with the background necessary for more advanced study in history at the 300 and 400 level.  They are offered in either small or large formats, depending on the individual course.

Junior Seminars (301): Junior seminars offer a series of "reflections on history", are required for the degree in History, and are normally restricted to junior History majors.  Each seminar focuses in depth on questions of methodology, historiography, and/or epistemology and is intended to introduce students to various ways of thinking about and 'doing' history, both in the present and in the past.  Each year several junior seminars will be offered; prospective majors must select two junior seminars at the end of their sophomore year and will then be assigned to one of their two choices.  If students are studying away from Williams during their junior year, they must enroll in a junior seminar during their senior year.

Advanced Electives (302-399): These advanced, topical courses are more specialized in focus than are the introductory survey courses (202-299) and are intended to follow such courses.  Enrollment is often limited.  Because these courses may presume some background knowledge, the instructor may recommend that students enroll in an appropriate introductory course before registering for an advanced elective.

Advanced Seminars (402-479): These are advanced courses normally limited in enrollment to fifteen students.  Each seminar will investigate a topic in depth and will require students to engage in research that leads to a substantial piece of historical writing.  All History majors are required to complete either an advanced seminar (402-479) or a tutorial (480-492).  Instructors may recommend prior coursework in the area of the seminar.  Priority will be given to senior History majors, followed by junior History majors.

Advanced Tutorials (480-492): These are advanced reading and writing courses that offer an in-depth analysis of a topic in a tutorial format.  Tutorials are limited in enrollment to ten students and priority will be given to senior History majors.  All History majors are required to complete either an advanced seminar (402-479) or a tutorial (480-492).  Instructors may recommend prior coursework in the area of the tutorial.  The writing of five or six essays and the oral presentation of five or six critiques of another student's essays are central to tutorials.

Within each of these levels, courses are further divided by geographical area: